The evolution and history of fighting games 6p5827

As long as the world has been around, people have always loved challenging themselves in fights and competitions. Fighting games emerged from this human desire to compete and have fun at the same time and they have a super interesting story that spans several different times and places. From the beginnings of arcades to the championships played today in large arenas, fighting games have always been guaranteed fun and have been part of an important part of the history of video games. 1ya5r

In this text, we will get into the ring and understand the history of fighting games. Let's talk about how it all started, going through the days of arcades, arriving at the console revolution and even talking about how eSports They changed the game for good. So, get ready for some action as we discover together how fighting games evolved to become what they are today.

The birth of fighting games 441y2t

Firstly, fighting games, in essence, are games in which players control characters who face each other in direct confrontations, generally using a combination of physical and special attacks to defeat the opponent. These games are shaped by early examples of the genre, which laid the foundations of gameplay and competition that are still fundamental to modern fighting games. It is important to highlight this definition to point out who were the first games that carved such foundations that remain alive today.

Competitive gaming dates back to the early days of video game history, when developers explored new forms of interactive entertainment. One of the earliest examples of these games was Spacewar!, created in 1962 by Steve Russell and his colleagues at MIT. Although it is not yet a fighting game, Spacewar! it was one of the first games to introduce the idea of ​​direct competition between two players, with each player controlling a spaceship and trying to destroy the opponent's. Among the variations on the idea of ​​combat between two players that emerged later, fighting games were born.

In 1976, the world of fighting games took its first significant step with the release of Heavyweight Champion by Sega. This game featured simple graphics but allowed players to control boxers and compete against each other. Although rudimentary compared to modern fighting games, Heavyweight Champion established some of the genre's foundations, focusing on direct competition and hand-to-hand fighting between two characters.

Another important milestone came with karate champ, released in 1984 by Technos Japan and to this day considered one of the most important fighting games of all time. This game popularized the concept of gameplay based on realistic fighting movements, in which players had to execute specific moves using button combinations to defeat their opponents, introducing the concept of combos. karate champ It set the standards for many fighting games that followed, with its precise control mechanics and variety of moves.

From the foundations established in the early 80s, other games emerged that little by little began to popularize the genre, such as Yie Ar Kung-Fu developed by Konami and the very first game in the franchise Street Fighter, released by Capcom in 1987.

The golden age of arcades 6i2a5q

The 90s were truly the golden age of arcades and fighting games played a key role in this phenomenon. It was during this decade that the fighting game genre reached new heights of popularity, thanks to a series of iconic releases that left a lasting mark on video game culture.

One of the most influential titles of this period was the legendary Street Fighter II, launched by Capcom in 1991. This revolutionary game introduced deep gameplay mechanics, a wide variety of playable and charismatic characters and a combat system that captivated players around the world due to its fluidity, making it a good game even by today's standards. Street Fighter II not only did it set the standard for future fighting games, but it also began to lay the groundwork for the competitive scene that would later emerge.

Another game series that had a significant impact was The King of Fighters, developed by SNK. Released in 1994, this fighting game brought a unique approach to the genre, featuring teams of three characters that players could alternate between during fights. With a huge variety of characters and a complex and fun combat system, The King of Fighters '94 has gained a dedicated fan base and contributed to the growing popularity of fighting games in arcades.

Furthermore, very important titles emerged during this period, such as Virtua Fighter da Sega, Mortal Kombat da Midway, Fatal Fury e Samurai Shodownboth of SNK, also left their mark on the arcade era. Each of these games has brought its own innovation to the table, whether through revolutionary graphics, unique combat mechanics, or memorable characters.

Specifically in Brazil, the genre had a huge growth due to the proliferation of fighting game arcades for internet cafes, electronic amusement parks like HotZone e PlayToy or even in bars and pubs. The easy access, the competitive appeal among friends and the high quality games that came out during the 90s meant that at a certain period it was one of the most popular genres in the country.

The console revolution 1s1vk

One of the reasons responsible for the popularization of the genre in the 90s was also a significant turning point in the history of fighting games. With the emergence of increasingly powerful consoles, such as the Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis (Mega Drive), PlayStation and Sega Saturn, players could now enjoy fighting games without leaving home.

These consoles not only offered more advanced graphics and sound, but were also capable of faithfully reproducing fighting games that were previously only found in arcades. Titles like those already mentioned Street Fighter II, Mortal Kombat e Virtua Fighter have been ported to home consoles with great success, allowing players to experience the same exciting and competitive gameplay from the comfort of their own living rooms.

Furthermore, the consoles of the time also gave rise to new fighting game franchises that would become equally popular. The series Tekken da Namco, for example, made its debut on PlayStation in 1994, featuring stunning 3D graphics and complex, satisfying combat mechanics that instantly won over fans. About that, Super Smash Bros. protocols for Nintendo 64 introduced a unique approach to the genre, bringing together iconic Nintendo characters in frantic and chaotic battles with a new way of seeing fighting games.

With the console revolution, fighting games were no longer exclusive to arcades and became an integral part of the home gaming experience. This not only greatly expanded the reach and popularity of the genre, but also opened the door to a new era of innovation and creativity in fighting games.

Expansion of the genre 3f83r

In the 2000s, fighting games continued to evolve and expand, bringing with them new franchises, innovative mechanics, and unique challenges for developers and players. This decade witnessed both the flowering of new titles and a period of challenges for the genre, but in the end, it proved to be a crucial era in the trajectory of fighting games.

One of the biggest changes during this period was the popularization of games that explored beyond traditional hand-to-hand combat. Titles like Super Smash Bros. Melee protocols for Nintendo GameCube e Power stone protocols for Sega Dreamcast brought a freer and more dynamic approach to fighting games, incorporating platform elements and interactivity with the environment. These new mechanics opened up new gameplay and fun possibilities for players, expanding the horizons of the genre.

Furthermore, the 2000s saw the emergence of new successful franchises that left their mark on the world of fighting games. Soulcalibur da Namco, known for its fluid gameplay and memorable characters, has become one of the most acclaimed series in the genre. Dead or Alive da Tecmo e Guilty Gear da Arc System Works have also gained a following, each bringing their own unique approach to combat and new mechanics.

However, not everything was rosy for fighting games during the 2000s. There was a period of some reduction in the popularity of the genre, with fewer releases and general interest from the public. Several reasons have been attributed to this, including market saturation with similar titles, a lack of innovation in some established franchises, and the emergence of other game genres that have captured gamers' attention.

Despite these challenges, fighting games have persevered and continued to evolve. Developers responded to , introducing new mechanics, refining gameplay and revitalizing established franchises. By the late 2000s, fighting games were poised for a resurgence that would take them to new heights of popularity and innovation.

The rise of eSports 4072p

In the late 90s and early 2000s, fighting games experienced a rise in the gaming scene. eSports. This transformation was driven by a series of factors, including the growth of the gaming community, the emergence of large-scale events and the development of an infrastructure for online competitions, which has grown exponentially over the years.

A crucial milestone in this process was the emergence of Evolution Championship Series, Better known as EVO. Founded in 1996, the EVO it quickly became the largest and most prestigious fighting game tournament in the world. Each year, thousands of gamers from around the world come together to compete in games like Street Fighter, Tekken, Super Smash Bros. and many others, just like a great Fighting Games Olympics, attracting the attention of spectators and sponsors from all over the world.

Beyond the EVO, the rise of eSports in fighting games has also been driven by the creation of a ionate and engaged online community known as FGC (Fighting Game Community). Originating from discussion forums and specialized websites, FGC has become a meeting point for ionate players who share knowledge, strategies and experiences about their favorite fighting games. This community has not only fostered the growth of the competitive scene, but has also played a key role in organizing local and regional events, helping to foster talent and ion for the genre.

Finally, the rise of eSports in fighting games it has also had a significant impact on the development of new titles. Developers now have in mind not just the casual gamer experience, but also the competitiveness and balance needed for games to be suited to the gaming landscape. eSports, in addition to new features that have become almost mandatory for improving the online experience, such as rollback. This has led to a greater emphasis on balanced gameplay, accessibility for new players, and the creation of online resources for competitions and training in almost every game in the genre.

The new peak of fighting games 406832

Fighting games are currently experiencing a new peak in popularity, driven by a combination of factors that include the release of very good titles, continued community growth, and increased accessibility for new players. This current phase of the genre witnesses a convergence between the creation of high-quality games and the commitment to maintaining the depth and complexity that players hardcore they appreciate it so much.

An example of this resurgence is Guilty gear strive, launched in 2021 by Arc System Works. This game not only impressed fans with its incredible visuals and refined mechanics, but also introduced new features that make it easier for new players to . Like this Dragon Ball FighterZ, developed by the same company, which maintains depth and challenge, ensuring that the most dedicated players will also find terrain to explore and master, but at the same time promotes easy accessibility for new players.

Another title that continues to play an important role in the current boom in fighting games is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate protocols for Nintendo Switch. With a vast and diverse roster of characters, varied game modes and an active online community, the game attracts players of all ages and skill levels. Whether casually competing with friends or participating in serious tournaments, this game maintains a universal appeal that makes it a central part of the contemporary fighting game scene.

Additionally, recent titles such as Tekken 8 e Street Fighter 6 also contributed significantly to the new boom in fighting games. Each of these games combines accessibility elements for new players, such as well-developed tutorials and -friendly game modes, with a depth of gameplay that continues to challenge even the most experienced players.

Let's see below the best and most important fighting games in history to understand in a practical way how the genre has evolved over the years.

The 20 best fighting games in history 6h2z5i

Street Fighter II Turbo (1992) 37614o

Street Fighter II Turbo is an improved version of Street Fighter II: The World Warrior, developed and published by Capcom in 1992. This game is often considered one of the most important and influential titles in the history of fighting games, and for good reason.

Street Fighter II Turbo It was a real revolution when it was released. It introduced new fighting game mechanics, a wide variety of playable characters, each with their own unique fighting style, and a combat system that won over players around the world. Furthermore, the game also featured impressive graphics for the time and an iconic soundtrack that contributed to its atmosphere and the creation of characters and a charismatic world.

Not only was this game largely responsible for popularizing the fighting genre in arcades, but it also established many of the fundamental elements used in fighting games today.

Killer Instinct (1994) 3r4272

Another game that redefined the foundations of the genre in the 90s was Killer Instinct. The game developed by Rare and released by Nintendo in 1994, initially for the arcade and later for the console Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), marked a significant turning point in the history of fighting games.

What makes Killer Instinct So special is its combination of fast, fluid gameplay with impressive pre-rendered digital graphics for the time. This allowed the game to feature smooth, detailed animations and incredibly elaborate combos that left players spellbound.

Furthermore, the game introduced the concept of Combo Breakers, which allowed players to interrupt their opponents' combos if they reacted at the right time. This mechanic added an extra layer of strategy and depth to the game, encouraging players to be increasingly tactical in their approach.

Samurai Shodown II (1994) 2n6qe

Launched by SNK in 1994 for arcade and later for various consoles, Samurai Shodown II is one of the most important fighting games in history and a milestone in the genre. The game is set in feudal Japan and features a variety of characters inspired by samurai culture and other historical figures. Each fighter has a distinctive fighting style, ranging from sword techniques to supernatural abilities, adding a strategic layer to the gameplay.

What makes Samurai Shodown II So special is its focus on precision and timing of strikes, rather than fast, frantic combos. The game values ​​patience and the player's ability to read the opponent's movements and respond with calculated attacks. Furthermore, the game introduced the concept of Rage Gauge, a meter that, when filled, allows the player to perform powerful special attacks.

Mortal Kombat Trilogy (1996) 5iw1

Mortal Kombat Trilogy, launched in 1996 by Midway games, is a compilation that brings together the characters, stages and content from the first three games in the series Mortal Kombat, along with some additions and improvements. This title is recognized as one of the most important in the franchise and has had a significant impact on the fighting game industry.

The series had already established a solid fan base due to its unique gameplay, innovative digitalized graphics through real photos, and elements of graphic violence. Mortal Kombat Trilogy capitalized on this success by offering a complete experience that combined all the favorite elements from previous games into a single package.

The game featured a wide variety of playable characters, including all fighters from the previous games, as well as some new characters and alternate versions of familiar fighters. Each character had their own set of special moves, fatalities, and Brutalities, which became trademarks of the series.

Darkstalkers III (1997) 641n61

Darkstalkers III, Also known as Vampire Savior: The Lord of Vampires in Japan, is a fighting game developed and released by Capcom in 1997. This title is the third and final main game in the series Darkstalkers, known for its gothic aesthetic, supernatural characters, and fast, frenetic gameplay.

The game expands the series' universe by introducing new characters, movements and game mechanics, as well as improving and refining elements present in previous games. Darkstalkers III maintains the same fluid and tactical gameplay as its predecessors, but adds new attacks and combos for each character, offering an even more exciting and varied fighting experience.

What makes the game so special is its unique approach to the fighting genre, both in of visual style and gameplay mechanics. The characters are inspired by classic monsters from folklore and horror cinema, such as vampires, werewolves and mummies, each with their own set of special abilities and devastating moves.

Tekken 3 (1997) 6s152o

Tekken 3, developed by Namco, is one of the most influential and acclaimed fighting games of all time, originally released in arcades in 1997 and later on the console PlayStation. This title is widely recognized for its innovative gameplay, stunning graphics and a roster of memorable characters that have left a mark on the fighting game industry.

The game continues the story of the famous series, set in a world of martial arts and fighting tournaments. Tekken 3 introduces a host of new characters, as well as bringing back many favorites from previous games, each with their own unique fighting style and personal story.

With its smooth and responsive gameplay, Tekken 3 allowed players to execute an impressive variety of moves and combos. Furthermore, the game features impressive three-dimensional graphics for the time, with characters modeled in 3D and fluid animations that raised the visual standard of fighting games at the time.

The King of Fighters '98 (1998) p5m1n

The King of Fighters '98, developed by SNK in 1998, it is widely considered one of the best and most important fighting games in history and is the fifth title in The King of Fighters series. Since its launch, the game has stood out for its refined gameplay, large cast of characters and a strategic side that has enchanted players around the world.

The game is known for its very good and complex combat mechanics, which reward the player's skill and knowledge of the game. Additionally, the team system, in which players select three fighters, adds an extra layer of strategy and tactics to the gameplay by adding team choice as a differentiator to the match.

Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves (1999) 69t5e

Also developed by SNK, Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves was released in 1999 and is one of the most acclaimed games in the world. Neo Geo. The game takes place years after the events of the previous games in the series. Fatal Fury and introduces a new generation of fighters, many of whom are children or disciples of the series' original characters. This allowed Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves renewed the series, offering a fresh and exciting experience while maintaining the essence that fans loved.

Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves features a deep and tactical combat system, with mechanics such as Tactical Offense Position (TOP) and Just Defend which add an extra layer to the gameplay and quickly became one of the classics of the genre. The game made full use of the powerful hardware of the Neo Geo to deliver fluid animations, vibrant scenery and stunning special effects, creating a visual experience that impressed gamers at the time.

Marvel vs Capcom 2 (2000) 1k2352

Marvel vs Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes is a fighting game released in 2000 by Capcom, developed in collaboration with Marvel. The title is widely acclaimed as one of the best and most influential fighting games of all time, thanks to its frenetic gameplay, roster of famous and beloved characters, and innovative combat mechanics.

The game is a sequel to the popular Marvel vs Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes and features an expanded roster of characters, including a variety of superheroes from Marvel and fighters from Capcom. With a diverse selection of playable characters, each with their own set of special moves and combos, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 offers a dynamic fighting experience, which was only possible thanks to the evolution of hardware at the time.

The game features a fast and fluid combat system, which allows players to perform quick combos and special attacks that can finish off their opponent in the blink of an eye. The game introduced the concept of Assist Attacks, where players can summon their team to help during the fight, adding an extra layer of strategy and tactics to the gameplay.

Capcom Vs SNK 2 (2001) 2em4d

Continuing with the successes of crossovers involving SNK characters, in 2001 Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium. The game brings together a large number of iconic characters from the two companies' main franchises and offers the opportunity to control your favorite fighters from series such as Street Fighter, King of Fighters, Samurai Shodown and many others.

Capcom vs. SNK 2 had great merit in being able to bring together characters from several different games, maintaining their original characteristics, despite belonging to different gameplay systems. The game has different fighting styles, such as C-Groove based on Street Fighter Alpha, A-Groove based on Street fighter alpha 3 and P-Groove based on Street fighter iii, allowing players to choose the style that best suits their style of play.

We also pack any Capcom Vs. SNK 2 introduced the system of Ratio, which allows players to choose a team of fighters based on their strength value Ratio, balancing the strength of selected fighters, allowing players to customize their teams to their liking while maintaining a balance.

Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001) f4w6y

Already mentioned before when we talked about the expansion of the genre to new ways of playing, Super Smash Bros. Melee was launched in 2001 to GameCube and developed by Nintendo. Unlike traditional fighting games, where the objective is to drain the opponent's life bar, Super Smash Bros. Melee has an innovative concept: instead of health, players have a percentage that increases as they are hit. The higher the percentage, the further the player is launched when hit, with the goal of being launched out of the arena.

And of course, the great attraction of Super Smash Bros. Melee is its vast catalog of characters from different franchises of the Nintendo and from other companies, including Mario, Link, Pikachu and many others. Each character has their own set of moves and abilities, inspired by their respective games of origin, providing a unique experience for each fighter.

Soulcalibur II (2002) 3i5h1o

Soul Calibur II is a fighting game released by Namco in 2002 and continues the legacy and history of the series, set in a medieval fantasy world where warriors of different origins compete for the legendary artifact known as Soul Edge. Soul Calibur II features a variety of unique characters, each with their own fighting style and personal history, including fan favorites like Mitsurugi, Ivy, Nightmare, and special guest, Link from The Legend of Zelda.

The game soon gained a large number of fans due to its accessible and fun gameplay. It features a weapon-based combat system, where players use swords, spears, axes and other types of weapons to defeat their opponents. Each character has a unique set of moves and combos, allowing players to explore a variety of fighting strategies.

Virtua Fighter 5 (2006) 5e424s

The franchise Virtua Fighter Couldn't be left out of our list! Always considered to be ahead of its time in of graphics, Virtua Fighter 5 was launched in 2006 by SEGA. The game features a diverse roster of characters, each with their own unique fighting style based on real martial arts such as karate, judo, kung fu and wrestling. The series Virtua Fighter is known for its emphasis on precision movement and strategy, with each action requiring precise timing and reflexes on the part of the player.

The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match (2009) 4v694e

The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match, launched in 2009 by SNK, is an updated and expanded version of the classic The King of Fighters 2002. This title is widely regarded as one of the best and most complete games in the series, and is revered for its refined gameplay, expanded character roster, and improved mechanics.

This game has become beloved by most fans of fighting games for the improvement that was made to a game that already had a ionate fan base. Introducing new movements and combos for each character, the new version offered an even more dynamic fighting experience at a time when major fighting game releases were scarce on the market. mainstream.

Guilty Gear Xrd (2014) 4mo9

Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- is a fighting game released in 2014 by Arc System Works, as part of the renowned series Guilty Gear. The title is widely regarded as a milestone in the fighting game industry due to its unique combination of graphics. cel-shaded and 3D modeling, resulting in stunning visuals that look like 2D animation.

The game continues the story of the series Guilty Gear, which takes place in a futuristic world where humans and beings called Gears fight for dominance. Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- features a diverse roster of characters, each with their own fighting style and personal history, including fan favorites like Sol Badguy, Ky Kiske, and May.

Dragon Ball FighterZ (2018) 3b1211

Also developed by Arc System Works, Dragon Ball FighterZ was one of the most successful fighting games of the generation PS4/Xbox One. The game is known for its fidelity to the famous anime series Dragon Ball and its dynamic, easy-to-learn gameplay. The game features a diverse roster of iconic characters from the universe Dragon Ball, including Goku, Vegeta, Frieza, Cell, Majin Buu and many others. Each character has their own set of special moves and signature attacks, faithfully recreated from the anime and manga, providing an authentic experience for fans of the series.

The game features mechanics that make combat more fluid, such as Z Assist, which allows players to summon allies to help during battle, and the Super Dash, which allows players to perform quick aerial attacks to surprise their opponents. These mechanics not only add an extra factor to combat, but also make the game great to watch in tournaments like EVO.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018) 425j6c

Everyone is here! That was the motto of Super Smash Bros Ultimate throughout its useful life. The game developed by Nintendo and released in 2018, it is the most recent title in the series and stood out for including characters from dozens of franchises from the world of video games, becoming a great mix that pleased different audiences. The game features characters such as Sonic, Solid Snake, Banjo-Kazooie, Steve do Minecraft, Richter de Castlevania and many others, in addition to the game fighters themselves. Nintendo.

Super Smash Bros Ultimate It was a game that introduced characters for years and, with each new announcement, paralyzed gamers everywhere, even puncturing the fighting game bubble. With accessible and enjoyable gameplay, the game enjoyed the success of Nintendo Switch and managed to attract many new fans to the series and became the best-selling fighting game of all time.

Guilty Gear Strive (2021) 226s54

Guilty gear strive was launched in 2021 by Arc System Works and, following the bases of previous games in the series such as Guilty Gear Xrd, was acclaimed for its aesthetics and fluid gameplay. The game introduces new mechanics, such as Wall Break, which allows players to break down walls and expand the battle arena, adding an extra layer of strategy and tactics to the gameplay. In addition, the game features a series of game modes, including a very fun story mode and competitive online mode, ensuring a rich and varied gaming experience for players.

Street Fighter 6 (2023) 3o4k1t

Street Fighter 6 was launched in 2023 by Capcom and was soon acclaimed as one of the best titles in the franchise and in the entire history of fighting games. With the introduction of modern controls, the game contributed significantly to the entry of new players into the universe of fighting games, with simplified mechanics, while allowing the use of classic controls.

Furthermore, the game has different modes including World Tour, where the player can create his own character both aesthetically and in the way he battles. To find out more about Street Fighter 6, we wrote a review about and we present in detail all the new mechanics and what makes it such a competent game and one of the best of 2023.

Tekken 8 (2024) 106b6q

Lastly, Tekken 8 was launched in 2024 by Bandai Namco and soon became a huge critical and Hailed as one of the best titles of the series and generation. Just like Street Fighter 6, the new Tekken also features a new simplified control system for new players and its combat is its strong point.

With heavy and impactful gameplay, Tekken 8 implements sequences for combos, through the Special Mode, makes combos easier and more accessible with just one button, instead of trying to memorize combos. The game becomes a strong candidate for one of the best fighting games of the year and is already on the must-have list for lovers of the genre.

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REVIEW: Tekken 8 is the best fighting game of this generation

Source: The Guardian, Activision Blizzard, Bitmap Books.

Text proofread by: Pedro Bomfim